Richard Dreyfuss Depression Battle: 'I'm Able to be Richard Again,' Actors Now Says
Actor Richard Dreyfuss has struggled with bipolar disorder and anxiety for his whole life but only recently decided to come forward and speak about his struggle to help others. The 66-year-old actor and author began battling depression and anxiety when he was 14.
"There's no shame in having depression. By telling my own story, I hope to help remove the stigma. It never should be something to hide," Dreyfuss told People magazine at the Hope for Depression Research Foundation luncheon.
At the event, Dreyfuss spoke openly and sincerely about his struggle with manic depression and anxiety. He first admitted his struggle in the 2006 documentary, "The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive." That led him to speak to others and share his story in order to help them heal and get the help they desperately need.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"I needed help," Dreyfuss said. "I didn't want to lose my children," he admitted when his marriage to Jeramie Rain ended and she took their three children and left. "I felt divorce was a valid reason for being depressed, but I didn't know it would last as long as it lasted. I would have never committed suicide because my daughter would have been really pissed. I wouldn't want to hurt her."
"When you have a kid, no matter how much success or money you have, you have this love that is beyond the bounds and you would take a bullet for your child, so I didn't want to cause them any pain," Dreyfuss noted.
He received treatment for his depression and explained that "counseling helped kill" his guilt over the divorce. Dreyfuss also used a regiment of prescription drugs, and together the combination of drugs and therapy have helped him manage his symptoms. He is now enjoying life and work again, in new ways.
"I'm able to be Richard again. Things are great," the actor raved.
